The Great Christ Comet Read Online Free Page B

chronological gaps in our knowledge based on our orbit. Our orbit suggests that the predawn celestial show in the east ended a couple of days after the birth, namely on October 22, and that this would have become evident to observers by October 23. We should therefore reckon on the Magi departing their homeland at some point between October 23 and 25. A quick departure is strongly supported by the observation that at that time the comet, having shifted to the western sky, becomes capable of functioning as a westward prompt or guide for the Magi.
    In light of this and our earlier conclusions regarding the duration of the Magi’s journey (approximately 28–37 days) and their stay (2–5 full days, leaving on the 3rd–6th day), we are in a position to set out two scenarios regarding the chronology of the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem: either (A) it occurred in the week running up to the holy family’s trip to the temple (on November 29)—that is, the week of November 21–28; 15 or (B) it took place in the week immediately following it—that is, sometime in the week following Mary and Joseph’s return from Jerusalem on the afternoon of November 29—that is, November 29–December 6. 16 In Scenario A, assuming a departure date between October 23 and 25, the Magi’s camel caravan advanced approximately 17–18 miles per day toward Jerusalem and arrived in Bethlehem between November23 and 25, and they departed on or before the 28th. In Scenario B, having left Bab­ylon on October 24 or 25, the camel caravan got 15 miles closer to Jerusalem each day, and the Magi arrived in Bethlehem late on November 29 or on the 30th, in the immediate aftermath of Mary and Joseph’s return from Jerusalem, and departed for Bab­ylon between December 2 and 6.
    In our analysis we shall consider two representative dates for the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem: November 23 (= an average journey speed of about 18 miles per day if they left Bab­ylon on October 24); and November 30 (= an average journey speed of about 15 miles per day if they left Bab­ylon on October 25), 6 BC. 17
    According to our reckoning, Herod’s decree to massacre the infants was issued on (or around) either November 30–December 2 or December 3–7, 6 BC. The Star’s initial appearance (1–2 Jewish luni-solar years before Herod issued his order) was therefore either between November 21–23, 8 BC, and December 10–12, 7 BC; or between November 24–28, 8 BC, and December 13–17, 7 BC. 18
    We propose, then, the following approximate chronology:
    Between November 21–28, 8 BC, and December 10–17, 7 BC: The Star first appears.
    September 15, 6 BC: The Moon is observed under Virgo’s feet.
    September 29/30, 6 BC: The cometary coma rises heliacally in Virgo’s womb.
    October 15, 6 BC: Virgo appears to begin active labor.
    October 19, 6 BC: A meteor storm radiates from Hydra’s tail.
    October 20, 6 BC: The cometary baby, having descended, has completely emerged from Virgo’s womb and so is regarded as having been born.
    Between October 23 and 25, 6 BC: The Magi leave Bab­ylon on their mission to worship the Messiah in Judea.
    SCENARIO A
    Between November 23 and 25, 6 BC: The Magi arrive in Jerusalem and, that same evening, are ushered by the Star to Bethlehem. Later that night the comet stands as it sets, pinpointing the house where Mary and Jesus are.
    Between November 26 and 28, 6 BC: The Magi depart Bethlehem to return home to Bab­ylon.
    November 29, 6 BC: Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus visit the Jerusalem temple on the 40th day to fulfill their religious obligations, and return to Bethlehem.
    November 30–December 2, 6 BC: Herod the Great orders the Massacre of the Innocents in the vicinity of Bethlehem.
    SCENARIO B
    November 29, 6 BC: Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus visit the